Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) provided a bed bath to a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter without wearing a gown, despite Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) being in place. The EBP sign was posted on the resident's door, indicating that staff must use personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a gown, during high-contact resident care activities. The resident's medical record confirmed an order for EBP, specifically requiring PPE during such activities. During an interview, the GNA was unaware that the resident was on EBP and acknowledged that gloves and a gown were required for care under these precautions. The failure to wear a gown during a high-contact activity, such as a bed bath, constituted non-compliance with the facility's infection prevention and control program as outlined by CMS and CDC guidelines for residents with indwelling medical devices.